My odessy began with a conversation with Lynda Mayes. She was looking into LAP-BAND® surgery herself and suggested that I do the same. It started me thinking, so I decided "Why not?"

I went to an information seminar on Nov. 22, 2005, where I met Dr. Adam Smith. He was extremely knowledgable about the LAP-BAND® and has had the procedure done himself. I would find out later that his wife was also banded.

He had a no-nonsense straight forward approach. I liked...